Cooking your way to a healthier family and planet!

Around the world people are increasingly embracing the age old adage that we are what we eat, and are moving away from unhealthy, unsustainable foods that promote diseases and are incredibly damaging to the environment. At the top of the list is meat, followed closely by dairy.

Although the move towards eating more plant-based is one of the fastest growing trends in food worldwide, many people still don’t know where to start. And this is understandable; meat and dairy have been idolised as meal centre-pieces for so long that cooking without them can seem daunting.

The good news though is that joining this movement is much easier than many people would think, and with a few simple switches you too can be on your way to a healthier, more sustainable life – without sacrificing on taste or going hungry.

To get some tips we asked the team at the Fry Family Food Co.. Eating more plant-based is something the Fry Family knows well; after finding out about the ethical and environmental impacts of animal agriculture, Wally Fry followed his wife and daughter’s example and went vegetarian. To help with the transition Wally wanted a great tasting, high protein alternative to meat that he could still throw on a barbeque – and as such a product didn’t exist 25 years ago, Wally created it – and Fry’s was born. Today Fry’s is freely available throughout South Africa, and in over 25 countries around the world, making it easier for anyone to move away from meat.

Here are 5 top cooking tips to help you to join the movement and move towards a more plan-based lifestyle:

Try Fry’s

It shouldn’t be surprising that the number one tip to move away from meat is to try the country’s best selling meat alternatives. Fry’s has mastered the art of creating products that will satisfy meat eaters, and their products regularly win awards around the wold. With 28 products in their range Fry’s is sure to have products you will love; think burgers, sausages, Chicken-Style Nuggets, stir-fry strips, mince, pies and more! They can be found in their green and white boxes in leading retailers across the country.

Focus more on what you’re adding than what you’re taking away

By focusing on adding more healthy fruit & vegetables, beans & legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds you might be surprised to see how little space is left for meat & dairy.

Experiment with new plant-based foods

One of the experiences many new vegetarians report is that they quickly discover that there are so many ingredients that they’re never even tried. Next time you’re at the supermarket or a restaurant that there’s a vegetarian product or ingredient that you haven’t cooked with or eaten before just give it a try.

Look online for plant-based versions of your favourite meals

Take advantage of the world-wide vegan phenomenon and look search the internet for recipes; there are literally millions of vegan recipes to make the transition easier. Start by looking at the recipes on the Fry’s website: http://www.fryfamilyfood.com/za/recipes; from family favourites like spaghetti & no-meat balls and vegan ‘chicken’ a’ la king, to more exotic recipes – all designed to make the move away from meat easier.

Don’t try to be perfect

Many people avoid taking the first steps towards a more plant-based lifestyle because they think it’s all or nothing. Start with the tips above, and move at pace that feels comfortable. Another good starting point is Meat-Free Mondays (http://www.supportmfm.co.za/).

Starting something new often seems challenging – but usually the first step is the hardest. Armed with the 5 tips above, hopefully you will find your first steps towards a more plant-based diet as easy as (vegan) pie.